Joe Philbin's son facing charges from auto accident

Matthew Philbin allegedly drove wrong way down one-way street

DAVIE – Matthew Philbin, the son of Dolphins coach Joe Philbin, is facing a third-degree felony charge for failing to stop and render aid in a March 23 accident in Austin, Tx., according to a report in the Miami Herald.

The case is scheduled for a July 7 trial.

Matthew Philbin, a 26-year-old West Point graduate, is a first lieutenant in the Army stationed at Fort Hood, Tx., which is located in Killeen, about a 90-minute drive from Austin.

According to the Herald, Philbin drove his Jeep the wrong way down a one-way street and collided with a Honda Civic driven by 22-year-old Kristen Robinson, who had a green light. Robinson suffered arm, head and neck injuries as a result of the accident.

A witness reportedly stopped after seeing the accident and tried to use Matthew Philbin’s cell phone to call for help but Matthew Philbin refused. He then reportedly urged the witness and victim not to call police before leaving the scene in a cab.

After police arrived they found Matthew Philbin’s wallet, military identification and cell phone, which reportedly included a text message from friend concerned Matthew Philbin was driving while intoxicated.

Austin police detective D. Drake told the Herald that Matthew Philbin’s attorney asked police to hold off on the investigation because Philbin was about to be promoted to captain. The victim’s father, upon learning that detail, reportedly called officials at Fort Hood and informed them of the situation.

The Dolphins said the organization considers this a “personal family matter” and wouldn’t have a comment.

Austin Police said the police report on the incident isn’t available pending prosecution.